St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
ST. LOUIS — Adam Wainwright did what every ace aspires to do in the heat of a pennant race: Summon up his best stuff and command, resulting in a shutout of Milwaukee that kept St. Louis 2 1/2 games ahead of hard-charging Pittsburgh in the National League Central.
What Wainwright did Wednesday night is what the Cardinals are still holding out hope that John Lackey and Michael Wacha can provide in their playoff push.
Manager Mike Matheny confirmed that both will rejoin the rotation for this weekend’s series with visiting Cincinnati. Lackey starts Friday night’s series opener and Wacha gets the ball on Saturday evening.
Lackey wasn’t happy with having his turn skipped on Tuesday night, but also conceded that he hasn’t had his best stuff since joining the team July 31 after being traded by Boston. Lackey has allowed opponents to hit .309 in eight starts and is pitching to a 5.05 earned-run average.
Wacha had his turn skipped Sunday when Matheny decided mechanical issues were keeping the young righty from throwing his best fastball. Matheny clearly wants Wacha, who won four postseason games last October, to show enough that he can use him this October.
In short, St. Louis’ final home series is also a referendum of sorts for Lackey and Wacha in regards to their postseason status. Pitch well and their spots might be assured. Struggle, and their October might be spent in the bullpen instead of on the mound.
